The Leeds Mindful Employer Network is excited to announce that the latest winner of the Mindful Employer of the Quarter Award is the Leeds Marriott Hotel!
The Leeds Marriott is a family-friendly hotel located in the heart of Leeds city centre and won this accolade as a result of the fantastic nomination below.
“One of core values is to “putting people first” to adhere to this value we conduct various things to support our associates, one being a robust wellbeing strategy. We promote mental health in the work place; we have over 14 Mental Health first aiders who can support our associates in time of need. We have a Bee informed corner in our heart of house area, this is where associates can access information on various subjects such as mental health, financial wellbeing, pensions, menopause, male menopause, EAP, Leeds Mind information, and lots of resources. We promote monthly activities and encourage associates to attend; we also have massage sessions, chiropodist clinics and encourage an open door policy. We are also sharing locally with other hotels and businesses our Menopause Awareness workshop; this was also a session at the Leeds Mindful Employees conference in May 2024. We continue to support our associates and have an active ARC Association Relations Committee; this is where we look at continually improving the wellbeing and working environment of our associates. We are ahead of many businesses on Well-being in the workplace and we are always happy to share and advise other businesses.”
Mindful Employer Project Coordinator, Leigh Staunton has been speaking to Jayne Uren, Human Resources Manager at the Leeds Marriott, about their approach to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of employees.
Congratulations to the Leeds Marriott Hotel on being awarded our Mindful Employer of the Quarter. How does it feel?
This is amazing. We are very proud to have been recognised for an area in which we take great pride in.
Jayne Uren, Human Resources Manager at Leeds Marriott Hotel
Tell us a bit more about you and the Leeds Marriott Hotel.
I have been employed at the Leeds Marriott since 2005 and have held the position of HR Manager since 2008. We have a very stable and effective leadership team that focuses on associate engagement and customer service.
Why is staff wellbeing and mental health such a big priority at the Leeds Marriott Hotel?
One of Marriott’s CORE Values is putting people first, so associate engagement and wellbeing are important. Over the years, we have worked on various initiatives to cater to the needs and enjoyment of our associates. People have so many things happening in their personal lives and if we can support them, be there for them, and provide comfort, they will feel safe and hopefully be able to deal with any obstacles that are in their way confidently. If our associates are happy and engaged, then this will reflect in our customer interactions, as evidenced by the amazing customer feedback we receive.
The Leeds Marriott team donated 100 pairs of gloves to Focus 4 Hope
Tell us more about the ways you are embedding a positive approach to mental health at work in everything you do.
We have an open door policy, where anyone should be able to approach anyone in the hotel without feeling that this would have a repercussion on them or their role. It is a safe space, and our associates know we will always support them and help them find the support, or guidance they need. The leadership team is very supportive and this is embedded in our day to day business.
How do you know that your approach is working?
We have low labour turnover, high engagement results, and associates who grow in their roles with succession plans in place for their development. We also have low absence levels and experience minimal performance challenges.
Why is it important for the Leeds Marriott Hotel to be registered as a Mindful Employer?
We want to be part of this network because I believe we should adhere to best practices and support other businesses where we can, even if they are our competitors. Being part of this network shows that as a business, this is important to us. It may also encourage others to look at their own business and consider becoming a Mindful Employer. The benefits are great, you have access to networking events, training, materials to use in-house, and network opportunities to learn and share with others.
Celebrating employees for Housekeeping Appreciation Week
What has been your biggest challenge so far and what are you most proud of in terms of the Leeds Marriott Hotel’s wellbeing at work journey?
I consider myself fortunate to say that I have not encountered any major challenges so far, for which I am very grateful. I take pride in the support I have received from others, which has allowed me to explore new opportunities and feel empowered to pursue them. I actively seek input from others and encourage their involvement.
What are your priorities over the next 12 months in terms of wellbeing and mental health at the Leeds Marriott Hotel?
I am looking to continue with the menopause workshops, and also refresh some of our Mental Health Aiders to have some training. I would like to source further sessions such as suicide prevention, domestic abuse and anything that I feel would be of benefit to help equip our managers if they are ever presented with situations in the workplace. They will then feel comfortable dealing with them and ensure that the help is given and associates feel reassured and listened to.
Why should more hospitality businesses join the Leeds Mindful Employer Network?
They have a duty of care to their employees. If they understand the benefits of small changes and what they have access to, they will soon see the benefits to them, their teams and the business and reputation within in the city.
You said you’re happy to share best practice and advise other businesses on wellbeing at work? How can our members get in touch to reach out?
I am on LinkedIn and I would be happy to support people where I can.
Thanks so much to Jayne for contributing to this blog. Learn more about the Leeds Mindful Employer Network.
